Progesterone (Vaginal)

Progesterone (proe-JES-ter-one)

Treats infertility by increasing the amount of progesterone your body needs during pregnancy. Also used to treat women who have stopped having periods because their bodies do not produce enough progesterone.

Brand Name(s):

Crinone, Prochieve
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to progesterone, or if you have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, liver disease, breast cancer, cancer of the uterus or genital organs, or a history of a stroke or blood clots. Do not use this medicine if you have had a miscarriage as there may still be tissue left in the uterus.

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is to be used only in the vagina.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• The medicine comes in a prefilled, disposable applicator. Use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Pay special attention to instructions about using this medicine at an altitude above 2500 feet. High altitude can increase the air pressure inside the applicator tube. You will need to correct the air pressure problem by using a clean needle or pin to poke a small hole near the bottom of the tube. You will still receive the same dose of medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use other vaginal medicines within 6 hours before or 6 hours after using progesterone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, migraine headaches, heart or kidney disease, or a history of depression.
• This medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.
• If you have any lab tests done, be sure to tell the doctor you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Lumps in your breast
• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
• Pain in the chest or leg (calf)
• Shortness of breath, coughing up blood
• Slurred speech or trouble speaking
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Vision changes, severe headache, or dizziness
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea
• Depressed mood, mood swings, or nervousness
• Increased appetite
• Increased urination at night
• Joint or back pain
• Mild headache
• Nausea, stomach pain, bloating
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Vaginal discharge (white) or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.